- Snow chains or cables are designed to completely wrap around the tread of the tires on your car or truck, and latch together tightly to prevent slipping. At first, they can be complicated to install, so follow the instructions carefully. After a few times, however, they only take a few minutes to install, even in adverse conditions. Snow chains come in different sizes, so not every snow chain will fit every tire. You can find the size of your tires written on the sidewall. Make sure the snow chains you purchase were manufactured to fit your particular tire and size to avoid buying the wrong chains. Do not attempt to fit the wrong sized chains on your vehicle, because a hazardous condition will be created. Snow chains actually look like chain link wrapped around the tire, and snow cables look more like thick wires. Both applications are adept at adding traction in adverse weather conditions.
- When snow chains are installed on a tire, they provide massive traction gains by biting into the snow and ice on the ground. They work like extreme added lugs on the vehicle's tires, eliminating wheel spin, which keeps the auto moving forward. Just like the paddles on a sand tire help to bite into the terrain, snow chains are an extremely effective traction device. Snow chains are also very tough and will not break under normal conditions.
- As mentioned, be sure to install them per the manufacturer's recommendations for safety. Ensure that the locking devices are attached correctly as well, because if the chains become lose and fly off, an obviously dangerous situation will be created. Also, install them on the correct wheels. If the car is front wheel drive, the chains go on the front, and vice versa. It is acceptable to put them on all four tires, but usually not necessary unless the vehicle is a four-wheel drive. Also, do not exceed 30 mph when driving with snow chains on. They were not meant for high speed, but rather slow, snowy or icy conditions. Do not drive very long on asphalt with them either; this will shorten the life of the chains significantly.
